Scott Dunlap's blog of trail running, ultrarunning, triathlon, and other life adventures. I enjoy the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of outdoor events and the chance to meet cool people. This blog contains interviews, research, original fiction, new product ideas, and all things trail running.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Trail Running Races - What Do They Mean To You?

What do you most look forward to when doing a trail race? Is it the goal of having a race? An excuse to connect with nature? The new people you meet? The familiar faces along the way? If you had to summarize in just one sentence, what would it be?

I have a super-secret project going on where I need a few quotes from folks saying what they most appreciate about trail run races. If you could sum it up in one thankful sentence to a Race Director, what would you say? I appreciate any suggestions you can throw my way (if you don't want to leave a comment, you can e-mail me at scottdunlap [at] yahoo.com).

My first thought was "Nothing fills my soul with optimism like a guided tour with friends through the magic of Mother Nature, and I am thankful that tapping into this is as simple as entering and completing a race".

32 comments:

I think my favorite part of running an ultra is that I know I'm going to be surprised. Something will go wrong, hills will be steeper than I thought, I will meet somebody I wouldn't otherwise meet. I'm always saying I am glad I did it, and not always for the reasons I thought. We all need some excitement in our lives. - Jean

I love the camaraderie in trail races regardless whether it's with new or old friends; to compete, push and laugh together through the hills, trees and rough trails while simultaneously being inspired by the natural beauty surrounding us.

I like the solitude and the connection; feeling myself breathing, my heart beating, the sound of other runners feet, seeing the sun shining through the tree branches, splashing mud... simple things that often seem hard to enjoy in the chaos of life.

You allow me to drink coke, eat jellybeans, fart, pee, get lost, lubricate unusual boodyparts, jump over rattlesnakes and run semi-naked in the company of friends and strangers - who are all doing the more or less the same.

I love trail races because of the extra unknown that is apart of all trail races. You never know what the trails are going to be like, or the weather. It is just another notch in the challenge of such races.

I was a hiker and a naturalist before I enjoyed running (and I still am); I feel I take in more of my natural surroundings in a few hours of running than I could in a whole day of hiking. I continue to geek out, identifying plants, admiring the view, even picking sage during a race to invigorate my nose!

I love to feel like I'm lost and in the middle of no where ... all while feeling confident I'll find the finish line.

Also, on a trail race vs a road race ... where the road race feels like you against the competition, a trial is race is you against the elements. There's something natural and primal and right about it.

To me trail running races are the perfect union of the beauty of Mother Nature and kindness of Human Nature. For a few dollars you can experience the incredible, awe inspiring, sights of Mother Nature while enjoying it with friends and family. Only in trail running do you have the opportunity to challenge yourself individually yet receive the unwavering support of those around you.

Happy New Year and thanks for the inspiration, everybody. I'm tackling a 20-mile snowshoe race tomorrow and I've sort of been dreading it. Reading everybody's comments reminded me of so many great things about the sport -- now, I'm actually looking forward to the race!

With each trail race, the physical challenge, unique scenery and occasional friendly conversation with fellow runners, both familiar and new, gives me the opportunity to completely escape the non-running world for a few hours.

One word sums it up for me.GRATITUDE. The experience of running ultras is amazing. The Race Directors are angels. I've been involved w/helping out and realized the sacrifices they go through. Everyone should volunteer at least one race a year!!!

Communing with nature while getting quality training I can get on my own near where I live, but I can't push myself nearly as hard and for so long without an organized RACE-- a transcendent, communal experience from formally gathering a critical mass of fellow runners also trying to do their best, with periodic aid without hassle thanks to all those wonderful volunteers; official results including my time and relative place, plus splits to mull over later; and the chance to hang out before, during and after the run with a great bunch of like-minded people as crazy as I while stuffing my face.

probably too rambling to be quotable, but a good exercise in reflection-- good end of the year post

a trail race is a day to shine, to cry, to laugh. A day to set myself free into the protection of nature and the comfort of aid stations. A day where I am one in the company of many who survive in our concrete world and live on trails.

About Me

I'm a technology entrepreneur who took up trail running and triathloning back in 2001 to get off the work treadmill and see a bit more of the outdoors. I also love to eat, so the exercise helps me justify those extra helpings. ;oP I'm always interested in learning more about trail running - please comment and link away!

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